AFSCME locals ratify new contracts

Members of AFSCME have ratified new contracts at the Dakota County library and at Minnesota State University-Moorhead, the union reported.

At Dakota County library, members of Local 693 ratified a two-year contract through Dec. 31, 2015. The agreement provides across-the-board pay raises of 2 percent each year: first, retroactive to Jan. 1, 2014, then again on Jan. 1, 2015.

Members also receive a $1,000 lump-sum payment, and can get additional raises of up to 2 percent based on performance. The agreement also switches to a health savings account in which the employer pays half the initial out-of-pocket deductible.

At Minnesota State University-Moorhead, members of Local 602 employed by Sodexo ratified a three-year contract through July 31, 2017.

The agreement provides pay raises of 25 cents an hour effective Aug. 1, 2014, 2015, and 2016. It increases footwear allowances by $5 this year and by $10 more in 2016; provides parking reimbursement for long-term employees beginning in 2015; increases the bonus for perfect attendance; requires effects bargaining over benefit changes; increases eligibility for health insurance; and improves language in areas such as job postings.